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Sri Lanka

Travel ideas for Sri Lanka - unique sights, worth Guinness records

Kotmale Oya Bridge

From the series “The Most Dangerous Bridges in the World”
There is an extreme bridge in Sri Lanka too. Kotmale Oya Bridge goes across the rough and muddy river of the same name. The bridge has been built long time ago, so wooden boards have decayed and impressive holes formed in between. The relative strength of the bridge is provided with railings made of steel rods; even the locals don’t quit holding them.
Kotmale Oya Bridge is located in an incredibly beautiful place surrounded by lush tropical greenery, that’s why the old structure isn’t neglected by modern tourists. They see the old bridge, first of all, as an extreme attraction. Worn boards that may fall under the foot at any time, the low railing and violent torrent of water at the bottom, which can’t be resisted even by large stones, call for huge courage and irresistible craving for adventure. ... Complete sights collection

Ratnapura

From the series “The Scariest Mines in the World”
The island of Sri Lanka is precious in the literal and figurative sense of the word. That’s because of Ratnapura mine, whose name can be translated as ‘the precious land.’ Since ancient times, gemstones have being mined there. This is where Blue Belle of Asia that later adorned the crown the Queen of England was found. The exact date of the foundation of Ratnapura mine is unknown, but one fact remains indisputable - for hundreds of years, the process of extraction of stones hasn’t changed here.
Part of large-scale mines have been depleted and are now in ruins, while locals continue to expand tunnels and look for new fields of jewelry. According to locals, walk through the deserted mines is absolutely safe, but at first glance tunnels may seem very insecure.
Some of the areas have been deprived of any fortifications, so any wrong move or loud noise may provoke the collapse. Locals believe tunnels of Ratnapura to be a sacred place, that’s why they always bring generous gifts to the gods. Employed workers also take into account advice of astrologers and follow a lot of important rituals, as locals believe that such a respect to the place makes source of gems literally inexhaustible. ... Complete sights collection

Sinharaja Rain Forest

From the series “Largest Nature Reserves on Earth”
Lovers of hiking in rainforests will definitely appreciate Sinharaja Forest Reserve, located in Sri Lanka. Established in 1978, the reserve is now famous for its variety of exotic plant species, many of which one cannot see anywhere else. The same can be said about the animals. In the jungle, one can meet the rare Ceylon starling, azure magpie, beautiful pythons and leopards as well as Indian elephants.
The reserve’s name translates as ‘Lion Kingdom’as it is formed by the junction of the two words ‘Sinha’(Lion) and ‘Raja’ (King) and is very symbolic. The natives believe that thousands of years ago a powerful race of people-lions lived in thick jungles. Many experienced travellers know Sinharaja under a different name - ‘Wet Forest’. Frequent rainfall is a usual thing here, so a raincoat and closed clothing would be a good idea.
Although the reserve area is relatively small and is only 480 square kilometres, it is the world’s most interesting and valuable one. Visits to the jungle should definitely be guided, as local guides know a lot of beautiful paths and can lead the group to the top of one of the mountains in the shortest possible time. Closed and tight clothing must be a priority. Tropical rainforest is the habitat for rare species of leeches ‘Blue Eagle’, contact with which may result in the most unpleasant part of the tour. ... Complete sights collection

Sri Lanka Meteorite

From the series “Most Curious Artifacts of Extraterrestrial Origin”
Every meteorite fallen to the earth has not only unique outlines, but also the unique composition. The latter is highly esteemed by the researchers because the elements contained in the meteorite can be the proof of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. A good confirmation of this theory is the meteorite found in Sri Lanka. The fossilized remains of the extraterrestrial aquatic plants have been discovered.
The meteorite was found by Chandra Wikramasingha, who later investigated him. The professor's opinion was strongly criticized. His opponents said that the meteorite had spent too much time on the earth and was 'polluted' here with the fresh water plants. At the end of December 2012 the researchers from the Cardiff University found a meteorite with the remains of similar biological structures on the island. The fossils of the extraterrestrial aquatic plants were found in the inner part of the meteorite, which completely excludes the possibility of their 'pollution' on the earth.
The detailed study results of the British scientists were published in 'Journal of Cosmology'. The peculiar fossils of the tube form, the diameter of which is not more than 0.1 mm, were identified as the remnants of the water-plants. The fossils were taken under the microscope. Now the scientists have almost no doubt that the Meteorite from Sri Lanka contains the fossils of the extraterrestrial lifeforms. ... Complete sights collection

Bentota Beach

From the series “Top 15 Most Romantic Beaches on Earth”
Lovers of romance who will relax in Sri Lanka, should definitely visit the picturesque Bentota beach. It has been named after the river of the same name and is located in the place where the river flows into the ocean. Palm trees complement the marvelous landscapes. The beach of Bentota is quite large, it will be an excellent place for hiking. The most attractive time for visiting the beach is a period from November to April. At this time the ocean is very calm.
Not far from the enchanting beach, several chic hotels were opened, which are often chosen by honeymooners. It should be mentioned that this area is popular among wealthy travellers. The choice of first-class hotels and possibilities for unforgettable recreation is simply huge. Here, excellent conditions for celebrations were created. Local sports infrastructure is also very well developed.
The romantic beach will be excellent for those holidaymakers who prefer quiet and comfortable atmosphere. In the immediate vicinity of the beach are many restaurants and entertainment facilities. You can both relax on the coast covered with gold-coloured sand and take a boat tour along the river, during you can admire the wonderful surrounding landscapes. For many years the beach of Bentota remains a permanent venue for an interesting folklore festival. ... Complete sights collection

Hikkaduwa Beach

From the series “Most Fabulous and Magic Beaches”
Tourists who are going to visit the former Ceylon will be able to relax on the exotic beach in Hikkaduwa. A wide range of travelers know this picturesque Sri Lankan beach as the Orange beach. It owes its name to the sand of saturated orange color. The coast looks magnificent at sunset, when the sand is painted in rich golden hues.
The scenic beach is framed by thickets of exotic plants. It’s also worth noting that Hikkaduwa features a large-scale tourist infrastructure. There are many hotels, restaurants and cafes along the beach. Some parts of the coast are equipped with sun loungers and parasols. By nightfall, the beach turns into an open-air disco. During high season, incendiary parties with music and dancing are held there literally every night.
In contempt of the well-developed infrastructure and the vibrant entertainment, Hikkaduwa beach is very clean and well maintained. An excellent proof of its high environmental performance is a variety of marine life in the coastal zone, where you can see not only common crabs, but turtles. This 1 500 meters long beach is ideal for pleasant walks. In the immediate vicinity, you can find some nice markets and a lot of souvenir shops. ... Complete sights collection

Heritance Tea Factory Hotel

From the series “Best industrial-style loft hotels”
The charming village of Kandapola is known to many tourists because of its upscale Heritance Tea Factory Hotel. It occupies a building that was built in 1940. A factory for the production of Ceylon tea was located in it in the past. The hotel is located in an incredibly beautiful natural area. It is surrounded by spacious tea plantations on top of a green hill. The spacious guest rooms are set in a spectacular white building with large windows today. Huge windows almost completely replace the exterior wall in some rooms.
The Heritage Tea Factory is an eco-friendly hotel. European style and sophistication of the East are harmoniously combined in it. Only natural materials and fabrics were used in the decoration of the hotel. Many of the old woodwork elements have been preserved in it. The hotel is incredibly popular with adherents of a healthy lifestyle, as well as with fans of ecotourism.
It offers scenic walks, tea tastings, and sports activities to guests as entertainment. A golf center is located next to the hotel. Guests can also indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments every day. The famous Galway's Land National Park and other natural attractions are close to the hotel. Its restaurant is considered one of the main features of the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel. It was opened in the carriage of an old train. It is more like a historical museum dedicated to colonial times. Unique historical exhibits are presented in the restaurant hall. ... Complete sights collection

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New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this

19.04.2024

Photogallery of landmarks of Sri Lanka

Trip ideas for regions of Sri Lanka

Colombo
Here you can find several artificial ponds in which hippos and waterfowl live, as well as the Reptile House and the Butterfly Garden. Interesting performances with the participation of dolphins and other sea creatures are held in the Aquarium. Its visitors have a chance to see the rarest underwater inhabitants. Visitors to the zoo are offered many extra services. They will be able to ride elephants or ponies, as well as visit craft and souvenir shops located on site. Outdoor recreation … Read more
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